This eucomis will make a striking and unusual addition to the border or patio pot - particularly in midsummer when the impressive spikes of burgundy-red buds open to star-shaped rose-pink flowers. The flowers of 'Sparkling Rosy' offer a long season of interest, but the foliage is attractive too - forming a neat rosette and initially having a purple flush. At the end of the flowering season, the seed pods provide yet another flash of interest.

Garden care: Plant bulbs 12cm deep as soon as possible, allowing 20cm between each. In colder areas, provide some protection until the worst of the frosts have passed. Water freely during the growing season and sparingly during winter. Protect the crown of the plant with a dry winter mulch or over-winter indoors under glass. Top-dress or re-pot container-grown specimens each spring.

Goes well with

If rabbits, deer, squirrels or cats devour or scratch up your plants these wire mesh protectors will give them time to get established. The pyramid-shaped 'Rabbit Proof Cloche' and dome-shaped 'Squirrel Proof Cloche'